How to Connect with a Potential Employer on LinkedIn
You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect resume and cover letter for a job you’re really interested in. You press submit on your application, but will it ever actually be seen by anyone? Most companies use an automated system for their job applications, so there’s a good chance your resume might never hit a hiring manager’s desk.
You might wonder if it’s appropriate to contact the hiring manager after you applied for a job, and in most cases it could benefit you to send a message over LinkedIn expressing interest about the position. However, there are several things to consider before pressing send.
Do Your Research
Don’t just rush to send a message to the first employee you see on LinkedIn. You need to do your research. Take the time to read the company’s website, and learn about their values and what they look for in their potential employees. Then review their LinkedIn page and search for the hiring manager that you directed your cover letter to.
If you weren’t able to find the hiring manager on Linkedin. Another option would be to reach out to someone who works in the department that you may have some degree of a connection with. For example, if you went to the same college or you crossed paths with working at another company.
Craft a Personalized Message
Contacting a hiring manager seems like a simple thing to do, but it can also be really intimidating and you want to be careful what you send. You don’t want to just send a generic message that looks like you pulled it straight from the internet. You need to take the time to make sure that you personalize it for that hiring manager
Here’s a few things to consider when you’re crafting your message:
- Express interest in the position and make it clear that you already have applied on the company’s website.
- Reference one or two of the job description qualifications and relate it back to your experience.
- Keep your message short! Don’t ramble on about your experience and why you would be good for the job, keep it concise.
Know When to Let Go
Before you send a message make sure that the job posting did not specifically say to not contact them outside of sending your application in. If this is the case, you’re better off waiting until you hear back about your application instead of taking the initiative to reach out on your own.
If you do send a message, don’t worry if you don’t hear back right away or even at all. Just because you didn’t receive a response doesn’t mean you aren’t being considered for the position. One thing you don’t want to do is to reach out again if you haven’t heard back. You don’t want to come off as unprofessional.
Sending a LinkedIn message doesn’t guarantee you an interview spot, but it is a simple way to try and get your name out there.
Are you looking to take the next step in your career path? Goodwill provides no-cost career services for anyone seeking employment or a higher-paying job. We offer job seekers the tools and resources to feel confident, purpose-driven, and successful. Goodwill’s My Career Advisor is the best place to start if you’re planning for the future. Signing up is quick, easy, and free.
